Who proposed the concept of internal and external loci of control?

The concept of internal and external loci of control was proposed by Julian Rotter. This theory is pivotal in understanding how individuals perceive the underlying causes of events in their lives. An internal locus of control reflects the belief that one has control over their life outcomes through their own efforts and decisions. In contrast, an external locus of control suggests that outside forces, such as luck or other people, dictate life events.

Rotter's framework emphasized the role of cognition in personality and behavior, suggesting that individuals with a strong internal locus are more likely to take responsibility for their actions and strive towards their goals, while those with an external locus may feel helpless or less motivated. This concept has significant implications in fields such as psychology, education, and health, influencing areas like motivation, self-efficacy, and resilience.

In contrast, the other names mentioned may be recognized for different contributions in psychology; for example, Gordon Allport is known for his work on personality traits, Hans Eysenck for his theories on personality dimensions, and type theorists emphasize categorization in personality assessment. However, it was Julian Rotter who specifically introduced the idea of loci of control, making his contribution unique and essential to the understanding of human behavior.